Sync Research Introduces IBM Boundary Access Network, BAN, Support with New Software for the FrameNode 400 Series Internetworking FRAD.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 1995--Sync Research announced the immediate availability of a new software release for the FrameNode(TM) 400 Series of multiprotocol internetworking Frame Relay Access Devices (FRADs). Release 3 extends Sync's IBM interoperability primacy and adds unique connection switching features for SNA and other connection-oriented legacy and LAN protocols, and enhances legacy multiprotocol support.

NEW KEY FEATURES INTRODUCED IN 3 INCLUDE:

Boundary Access Node Support: Sync extends its leadership role in SNA internetworking and IBM interoperability with the release of Boundary Access Node (BAN) support for the FrameNode 400 series internetworking of FRAD. BAN is a new architectural feature of 3745/3746 ACF/NCP Version 7 Release 3 that supports bridged and IP connections through the FEP thereby, augmenting its role as a frame relay WAN to IBM mainframe termination node for IBM-centric networks.

BAN support in the FrameNode 400 is the byproduct of a new Release 3 feature called Logical Link Switching (LLSw). LLSw is a RFC1490-compliant level 2 frame switching technique which provides the benefits of Data Link Switching (DLSw)-SDLC-to-LLC2 conversion, LLC2 WAN transport, non-disruptive alternate routing, and local serial SDLC and LAN LLC2 termination -- but without DLSw's bandwidth robbing overhead, lack of determinism, and operational complexity. The FrameNode's versatile LLSw function supports both Type I and Type II BAN connections as well as provides concurrent support for RFC1490 Annex F SNA over frame relay format. Each format is assignable on a per downstream controller basis. BAN support on the FrameNode 400 solves several key problems found in 3745/3746 ACF/NCF Version 7 Release 1 based networks running the RFC1490 Annex F format: Passthrough of FRAD management connections on a single PVC to the branch. And, consolidation of SNA, bridged, IP and non-SNA legacy traffic into a single FEP terminating the frame relay WAN at the data center. Since the FrameNode uses LLSw to transport non-SNA legacy protocols like BSC/3270 and Async, these protocols can be transported through the BAN FEP at the data center and passed onto a Token Ring LAN where they can be converted back to their native host protocol using Syncs ConversionNode legacy-to-LAN conversion products.

Virtual Routing Switching: The Release 3 Virtual Route Switching feature is band on the LLSw level 2 switching mechanism and allows the assignment of multiple frame relay PVC connections to a downstream SNA/SDLC, SNA/LLC2 or other connection-oriented serial or LAN device to be used as primary and alternate routes. An Explicit Virtual Route (eVR) can be assigned to a SNA controller to provide it deterministic primary route across the frame relay backbone and campus network and all the way to the FEP. If the eVR fails anywhere along that route, the SNA sessions can be automatically switched to a predefined Parallel Virtual Route (pVR) to the same host destination without loss of SNA sessions. If the primary host destination is not available, the FrameNode automatically switches the connections to a disaster recovery hot-site or alternate host site via an Alternate Virtual Route (aVR) PVC. This new feature provides deterministic pathing overhead for connection-oriented protocols like SNA without incessant broadcast or router table update overhead flowing across the relatively skinny branch trunks. Additionally, it provides immediate and automatic switch-over to predefined redundant and disaster recovery hot-site PVCs without network operator intervention. This feature was designed to complement the special multiPVC pricing structures emerging from frame relay carriers to address such alternate routing requirements for mission critical applications.

Virtual Route Switching allows connection-oriented devices, like SNA/SDLC, SNA/LLC2 and BSC/3270 controllers, to dynamically switch logical link connections from a failed frame relay PVC or path to a second, parallel PVC without session loss. When the failed PVC is restored, the frame relay network notifies the FrameNode which then restores the switched connections back onto their original PVC. Virtual Route Switching is RFC1490-compliant, requires no additional protocols or overhead, and is non-proprietary while remaining IBM and multivendor interoperable. The feature also provides SNA/SDLC, SNA/LLC2, BSC/3270 and other connection-oriented legacy applications with multipathing and session resiliency functionality found only in complex, high overhead TCP/IP/DLSw or proprietary transport implementations.

Extended Quality of Service Features: The FrameNode's Priority Dependent Queuing and Priority Dependent Transmission class of service and bandwidth allocation quality of service features have been extended to the individual controller for both serial and LAN traffic and to the individual user for LAN applications. Previously, PDQ and PDT were definable on a per protocol basis. This extension allows a SNA 3770 RJE station and SNA 3174 controller on the same FrameNode attached multipoint line to different quality of service definitions.

THE FRAMENODE ADVANTAGE:

"With FrameNode 400 Release 3, Sync leverages the inherent resiliency of the cell/frame-switched infrastructure of today's frame relay carrier services to provide a highly deterministic, IBM and RFC1490 interoperable, and low-overhead alternative to TCP/IP," states Todd Krautkremer, Vice President of Marketing at Sync Research. "BAN support in Release 3, along with Sync's long-standing RFC1490 Annex F support, underscores Sync's primacy in SNA internetworking over frame relay." Krautkremer further states, "the FrameNode 400 was designed to meet the needs of corporations who, in the face of growing LAN-based applications, still derive their core revenue from mainframe based applications delivered across SNA branch networks. The rigorous demands of these mission-critical networks include bandwidth conservation, high degree of determinism and reliability, and operational integration with the current mainframe NetView-oriented infrastructure. The FrameNode 400 stands alone on its ability to deliver on these imperatives."

ADDITIONAL RELEASE 3 FEATURES INCLUDE:

LINKrelay for Multipoint Async: The new LINKrelay for Multipoint Async program product provides transparent operation of proprietary multipoint async applications, such as premise alarm systems and non-SNMP modem/DSU management systems, across public or private frame relay networks.

External DSU/CSU Management Support: Release 3 connects third party DSU/CSU management platforms across a frame relay WAN or LAN internetwork to non-SNMP managed DSU/CSUs in remote branch locations. With Release 3, the FrameNode multiplexes Racal's proprietary T-7 management traffic in-band across the frame relay WAN thus preserving network management of the remote branch DSU/CSU.

Extended Quality of Services Features: The FrameNode's Priority Dependent Queuing and Priority Dependent Transmission class of service and bandwidth allocation features have been extended to the individual controller for both serial and LAN traffic and to the individual user for LAN applications.

Extended Network Management: Release 3 extends the FrameNode's highly touted NetView and SNMP manageability and allows NetView and SNMP based management systems to provide unified management of an entire enterprise including the visibility and control of IBM and non-IBM based and non-SNMP native legacy devices which today, are either managed by isolated host systems or not managed at all.

Sync's FrameNode 400 Release 3 software is currently in Limited Availability and will be in General Availability beginning August 1, 1995. It will be provided at no cost to Sync Research customers currently subscribing to software maintenance services.

About Sync Research

Sync Research is a recognized pioneer in SNA internetworking and frame relay access technology and markets the ConversionNode legacy-to-LAN converters and FrameNode internetworking FRADs to customers of mission-critical, IBM-oriented networks worldwide. FrameNode and ConversionNode products are deployed in some of the world's largest SNA networks that serve banking and financial services, insurance, transportation, manufacturing, federal and state government, telecommunications, and other industries. Sync products are distributed through VARs, system integrators and carriers as well as through hub, router and WAN technology partners.

CONTACT: Sync Research

Zuzana Prochazka, 714/588-2070